Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Losingtheplot on November 28, 2025, 05:08:38 PM
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Hi
Has anyone found that when they have increased there oestrogen dose that this has helped with mental health symptoms such as anxiety?
I increased my sandrena gel from 0.5mg sachet to a 1mg sachet 7 weeks ago. The hot flushes stopped after a few days however the anxiety is still an issue.
I am taking anti ds too, but my GP did say there was scope to increase the sandrena up to a max dose of 4 sachets if required.
Obviously I wouldn't increase to this amount initially, maybe 2 sachets of 1mg from the 1 x 1mg I currently use.
I know the rule is to wait 12 weeks before any further increases but I am.almost 8 weeks into the increased dose and really should it not have worked by now if it was going to?.
I feel the anti ds have helped somewhat but not fully. Been on them for 6 weeks.
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As far as I understand Progesterone is supposed to reduce anxiety, increasing your oestrogen probably won't help. Are you taking progesterone along side your Sandrena gel? For me personally, I found increasing the gel increased my anxiety, could just be me though, I'm super sensitive to oestrogen fluctuations. Increasing my progesterone dose definitely helped with my anxiety.
Hope you find the right dose soon because the menopause anxiety is just awful.
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Hi Arya Underfoot
Thank you for replying. I take 1 x utrogestan which is the right dose for 1mg sandrena gel.
I am not sure what to do at the min. On a positive note my panic and morning dread has been pretty non existent this morning!!! Hopefully things are improving at last!.
I actually feel calmer.
Hope you are ok and which HRT are you on?
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If your anxiety is a meno symptom it should go with sufficient oestrogen but if it's a long standing problem you had before peri then probably not. Anxiety can be a symptom of too much oestrogen as well as too little so it's important you don't increase too quickly and miss the sweet spot. My anxiety took the full 3 months to go completely so if you are seeing some improvement now it might be better to wait before you increase. And be aware that progesterone can cause anxiety in some people.
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Hi Sheila
I have been on the HRT for 3 years now. So the progesterone at 1 x 100mg tablet suits me.
I started on 0.5mg sandrena gel and 2 x prog tablets 3 years ago. Then decreased the prog to 1 tablet quite quickly as I couldn't tolerate 2 of them.
Everything has been great since starting HRT in April 2023 all symptoms controlled and the panic and anxiety seemed to calm down quite quickly. I was also taking Fluoxetine Ad's just 1 x 20mg tablet.
I decided to stop the Fluoxetine in June this year.
Then end Sept beginning Oct I started noticing symptoms again. Irritatability, brain fog, mood swings followed by hot flushes.
I suppose I may as well wait another few weeks and see what happens.
Just sick of this anxious feeling all the time feel it has hit me hard. The Ad's will be helping too all takes time I guess.
I will see what my Gp suggests in 4 weeks time as she did give me the option of increasing. I dont want to suffer unnecessarily if I just need to increase my oestrogen however I know it can take up to 3 months to feel the full benefits also.
Today has possibly been the calmest I have felt in weeks. I am still anxious just not as much if that makes sense.
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Well just when I thought things were improving still struggling. :'(.
I am so fed up of feeling like this and am considering increasing my Sandrena Gel. I only have 1mg sachets and my next appointment with the doctor isnt till 29th Dec which isnt too far away I suppose.
By then 12 weeks will have passed since I have been on the increased Sandrena gel from 0.5mg to 1mg. GP has said I could increase by another 1mg sachet, but I was maybe thinking of a 0.5mg?.
My anxiety is still there so bad throughout the day, such a struggle to leave the house. Everything is such an effort. I am worn out with it now. The morning dread has improved to how it was so that is positive.
I shouldn't still be feeling like this after being on Ad's for 7/8 weeks, increased HRT and supplements. My mind isnt racing as much but I still don't feel back to me. Brain fog has improved ,irritability returning slightly!.
I use my gel at the same time everyday.
To say I am fed up doesn't do how I am feeling justice.
I know things can take time to improve but when I last had a downturn like this and started HRT and Ad's I am sure by 6 weeks things had calmed down considerably. I am tempted to have a private hormone blood test done to see what my levels are doing. I use testosterone too however I am sure the level hasnt been checked for 2 years.
My bloods were taken a few weeks ago but GP said she would not be testing hormone levels.
Also I am tempted to ask my GP for a copy of my blood results as I am sure by law I am entitled to them. I have just rang the GP and will be able to pick my results up in 15mins!
I just dont know what to do. Increase by another 1mg as of tomorrow so be using 2mg or to stick to current dose until Gp review on 29th Dec and give it another 27 days on 1mg.
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It’s strange how the hot flushes settle fast yet the anxiety hangs on like glue. Seven or eight weeks still feels early for some people, the mood stuff seems to lag behind everything else. The dose range your GP mentioned gives you room to adjust but it makes sense to go slow and see if your body catches up first. The antidepressants helping but not fully is pretty common when hormones are still shifting. You’re not imagining it, lots of people hit this weird in-between phase.
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Hi Sophya
Thank you I am pleased that how I am feeling is how some people feel and that I am not going crazy.
It really can take a long time to feel in a good place again each time hormones deplet. I just wish I was one of the lucky few it didnt affect. I am still off work and have to be feeling more stable before I can return.
I work in the NHS and have to be on the ball with my work . My Manager has suggested home working to ease me back in when I feel ready.
I know HRT isnt a magic cure but I am comparing to how quickly I felt the anxiety improve the last time once I was on HRT when I first noticed symptoms were too much and out of control. At the 6 week mark I felt so much improvement. Maybe I did have a few wobbles but just can't remember as it was almost 3 years ago.
Just a small dose of gel seemed to do the trick after I initially tried patches. Although the Evorel 25 was great in some ways (issues with patch sticking and skin irritation) it was Evorel Conti that disagreed with me.
I will see how I feel tomorrow regarding increase as I have already had several weeks off work and need to get back atleast in the New Year.
I may spilt the dose and do 1mg Am and 1mg pm and then take the prog tablet on a night as normal.
Its so difficult not knowing what to do for the best. But then I am scared I have too much Estrodial which can cause issues too!.
So confused
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I woke up this morning with an awful churning type sensation in my stomach and shaking inside.
The morning dread had subsided :'( but am I reading too much into it. I took a propananol unsure if it helped as I am just constantly on edge.
I am still unsure that I am on the correct dosage of estrodial. I have contacted Randox about a blood test and this should show how much Estrogen I have in my body and absorption from the Sandrena.
Had anyone had a blood test done privately? Louise Newson has said on one of her podcast level should be 250 -1000.
So I suppose if I am in that range then things are stable?
I know we are all different and some people need more hormones than others. The Sandrena gel must be working though as otherwise I would still be having hot flushes. As you can tell I am still confused about what to do.
I feel that I need to wait until review on 29th Dec and then potentially try an additional 0.5mg of gel, so then be on 1.5mg just a further increase of 0.5mg.
If it doesn't suit I will just go down to 1mg again and persevere.
What would you do in my position as the GP is leaving the option up to me on whether to increase if no improvement in anxiety and propananol not being effective.
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It took me 3 months on the max NHS standard dose ( 4 pumps Oestrogel/ 100mcg patch/ unsure on Sandrena as not used it) before the anxiety eased. I needed more and thankfully my GP prescribed more than the max standard dose which totally got rid of anxiety.
I’ve come across many women who need more than the standard dose especially those crippled with anxiety, depression and fatigue. These links might help:
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/aug/16/it-feels-impossible-to-beat-how-i-was-floored-by-menopause
https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/professionals/gp-hrt-advice-guidance?fbclid=IwY2xjawOb1NlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1WlVsUm5qVEREQlhIUjY1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHt90cF9hZ0s-2HgDeIG1i_TrBE9L1HzgYBv0a3IMFm8yUJaKXSXj2aOQVCLr_aem_zs0v56YllKJDTh3EVm_nPA
https://www.studd.co.uk/depression.php
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Hi AmandaJR,
Thank you so much for the links. The information in them is v interesting. The 3rd link does provide some excellent points about the depression and anxiety being hormone related .
I do have a history of anxiety and depression from childhood, however when pregnant my mood was stable. I did suffer badly with PND horrifically after pregnancy and had to go back on SSRI's.
I also suffered PMT badly too so I know life is not without its stresses but this is v hormonal related as SSRI's have usually helped me in a matter of 3 to 4 weeks considerably.
I do think I will need to increase my Sandrena gel to see if it helps with the anxiety. My Gp is happy for me to increase by another 1mg sachet. She has said the max dose is 4 sachets
I was initially on 0.5mg gel for 29 months (April.2023) which was sufficient and controlled the symptoms. I also.took Ad's which I stopped in June 2025. I increased by a further 0.5mg to 1mg from 10th Oct when hot flushes had returned.
Maybe increasing by 0.5mg might be enough or 1mg might be needed as I know too much can also.cause anxiety.
Either way I won't get a sooner appointment with the Gp now so either I increase the dose myself to 2mg from 1mg or just wait it out until.29th Dec which is what I think I may do.
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Hi Losingtheplot, it sounds like your GP is supportive and that’s what’s needed.
I’ve read that too much oestrogen can cause anxiety too, I didn’t experience that fortunately. If you gradually increase it you can always decrease it if you feel it’s too much, I’ve only used Oestrogel but I’m assuming Sandrena is just as flexible?
Once when I increased from 3 pumps to 4 I felt a little jittery but I also felt incredibly energetic. I thought this feeling of being 20 again was going to last but alas it didn’t, I woke up feeling gloomy again the next morning but gradually continued to improve.
For a while I was scared to adjust HRT even though I felt hideous, in the end I figured I’d got nothing to lose by trying.
I’m trying to find more useful links!
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Yes my GP is lovely. I feel very comfortable with her. I am so pleased that you regime is working out well for you. In the 3rd link I also found the part about the blood test showing oestrogen levels as normal and not.picking up the depression element interesting. As I had considered having a private blood test done for hormone levels.
However if it shows in range and I am suffering hormonal anxiety/depression won't really have achieved anything? I know GPs go off symptoms but Louise Newson do hormone testing.
The Gp was happy for me to increase as of 24th Nov or to take propananol and see how they worked for me. Her thinking was that I needed something that would help me now. Therefore I went with the beta blockers option with a review on 29th to increase gel if no significant improvement.
I do think the gels we both use are very similar. Sandrena comes in sachets and instead of a bottle with pump dispenser.
I only have just over 3 weeks to wait until my appointment so may aswell continue on the 1mg then will have been 3 months on this dose so reasonable to increase if needs be.
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Am so fed up :'(.
Why do things take so long to settle down!. Ive started on Vit b12 supplements again as I have read these can help with moods and nervous system.
I do think I need to increase my HRT this is just so so difficult. I am sick of feeling this way and not sure how much longer I can continue to feel like this.
Everything is still such an effort. My mind isnt racing as much but I just feel so so low. Just no motivation and really can't face feeling like this much longer.
I am tempted to ask for an increase in gel even if I can just pick it up from the chemist without seeing GP and add an additional 0.5mg.
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Sorry you’re struggling, I know it’s physically and emotionally crippling.
I’d make the call whilst there’s time to get the prescription issued today. You don’t have to take it but it’s there if you decide to. Good luck 🤞
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Thank you AmandaJR
I have rang and left a message for the GP it will be Monday now before I get a reply.
I have asked the Gp to confirm if she is still happy for me to increase the sandrena gel and if so by how much e.g 0.5mg or 1mg. I think I would feel happier just increasing slowly so by another 0.5mg.
That might just do the trick. I will see how the next few days go as don't want to be too hasty.
There are no appointments free with this Gp until Jan, although I have an appointment on 29th Dec the GP booked in for me during the last visit.
She may tell me to wait until the 29th but I honestly can't see how 24 more days on 1mg of gel could change things for the better. But then am I being inpatient?? Maybe the level is still building up.
My friends and family are telling me to do what I feel is best for me. If only it was that easy as I just dont know what to do.
I suppose if no more improvement come 29th Dec then an increase will be inevitable. So will wait to hear GPs thoughts and go from there.
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So have woke up with awful doom and gloom feeling and how I am going to get thru the day.
Its such an intense feeling in my stomach just awful! :'( :'( :'(.
Why are things this difficult after 8 weeks of increased gel. To think I have till the 29th potentially to see if this dose of gel sorts this debilitating feeling.
It seems so far away but I know I have to wait to know fully if this dose suits or not.
My GP is going to think I am totally mad as I left a message yesterday about increasing the gel. When we had both agreed to wait until the 29th to see how things were.
Am I completely going mad?!.
I should of been going out tonight to see a band with friends but sold my ticket as couldn't face it with feeling like this.
I had bought the ticket in July when things were great and I enjoyed life.
Is this now as good as it gets?
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No, it’s not as good as it gets! Your GP won’t think you’re mad, they’ll know just how difficult it is to wait through 3 month periods during dose changes.
You’ll be going to loads more concerts, you’ve just got to find the right dose and take a bit of time. Roll on Monday with the GP!
Keep going and know how you feel right now is temporary.
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Thank you xxxx
So shall I just wait and see what Gp says on Monday re the increase? She may ask me to wait anyway. There again she may suggest increase.
I wish I was closer to the 12 weeks then it would be easy to know that increasing was the right thing to do.
I take propananol sometimes when anxiety is bad but not always as I dont feel it helps. Its helped.previously with palpations but not with this awful dread in my stomach. This was to be the crutch to use until review on 29th.
I may just start taking a propananol on a morning and afternoon which is when the anxiety is at the worst. Suppose it can't do any harm.
I will have to wait till Monday. I found a box of 0.5mg sandrena gel that a colleague gave me as it was no good for her. The expiry date is 11/25, she gave it to me a couple of years ago and I have just found it.
As it has expired wouldn't be wise to use it I know that. But have been tempted not that anything magical will.happen with 2 days use until GP advises on Monday.
I wish I had a magic wand to increase my levels to sort my anxiety out as I am sure we all do. :'(
Sorry for waffling.
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Ok, new mindset.
I will get there, things have improved over the past 8 weeks from where I was. So I have come a long way.
I am going to be kinder to myself and accept that things can take a while. I need to be patient and give HRT time to work.
Things could improve massively over the next few weeks. I didn't think 8 weeks ago that I would have some improvement even if its not as much as I had hoped.
I think I was just in a different situation in 2023. It was spring time and I was able to get in the garden more whereas I am finding it more difficult with the colder weather and darker days/nights. Also just 0.5mg of Sandrena helped so much.
I am determined to stay positive as that will keep me.going.
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Well here we go another day of my brain and body trying to manage to get thru the day.
I will return to work when this fit note runs out in the New Year. Have to continue with life have no choice.
Hopefully the next few weeks gets me where I need to be.
I have a Talking therapies assessment on the phone on Friday and an appointment with occ health the following week on the phone.
Be good to.hear of any support they can give me. A phased return to work is usual so as to not over whelm me. With possible home working temporarily to build my confidence up.
Hubby did say to look for.another job if I am not happy. No job is perfect and this ticks most boxes. I couldn't start new somewhere as I know my job inside out and have a supportive manager.
Obviously there are issues with being short staffed but I get on with my colleagues and there are many positives to where I work.
As you ladies will know when crippled with menopause symptoms especially brain fog and anxiety everything is that bit harder and you find yourself doubting your ability.
The brain fog has improved thankfully.
Well off to face the day.....
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So in response to my message sent to the meno Gp at surgery on Friday. I am currently on 1mg of sandrena gel and 1 prog tablet daily.
I asked if I could increase the gel by a further 0.5mg or a further 1mg.
I receive a text message from the doc, to increase to 1mg and use 2 x 0.5mg.
This is the dose I have been on for 9 weeks! After increasing in October and then being prescribed 1mg sachets.
I was given the option of having sachets of 0.5mg prescribed to cover the increase. That would of been the better option for any future gradual increases but my mind isnt thinking logically.
I hadnt read the message properly and thought it said to increase by a further 1mg. So I promptly added more gel to by body.
I am now concerned at having done this.
Nothing untoward symptom wise has happened yet, but I am just at a loss as to what to do.
I have rang the surgery for clarification as I am no clearer on what to do.
I feel I should just continue as I am on 1mg per day until review on 29th Dec.
I wish this anxiety would calm right down its driving me insane. I have no motivation to want to do anything everything is a struggle.
I will be 3 months on the increase come the 29th.
Has anyone else on Sandrena find that their anxiety/mood improved upon increasing?
I just need to know things will get better 😞. I am still taking the Ad's and propananol although dont feel the latter really seem to help.
I need to return back to work and function as a human being. Ive been like this since Sept then things have declined further.
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So unsure if this is placebo effect but I actually feel.calmer this afternoon. Could this be due to the additional 1mg gel I used?.
I am.now tempted to use 2 x 1mg tomorrow too and see how I go till the review on 29th.. Gp still hasn't been back in contact to clarify her earlier message.
Surely if it was to much gel I would of had a bad reaction? I still get palpitations on just the 1mg but hot flushes got sorted on this dose.
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Gp rang me this morning. Recommended I stick to the 1mg dose give my body 3 months at this level before she will consider any increase.
So I shall continue as I am. 3 months will be 10th Jan so still a way to go yet.
She may consider increasing on 29th Dec by another 0.5mg but doesnt want too much to soon as could cause issues and is saying need to follow the NICE guidelines and give hormones time to settle. I am happy to wait until the 10th Jan. That's still 4 weeks away.
Things could improve. I need to give it time. I got teary on the phone with Gp and she is happy to support me if I need more time off work.
I will see how I feel come the time when I am due to return as I want to get back to normal routine as I have too much time on my hands at the min, but also don't want to go back too soon and relapse.
My emotions are all over.
Onwards and upwards fingers crossed everything levels out soon. Life is adding to my stress to. Some vandal damaged my wing mirror on my car last night!
My car is v old and its unnecessary money we have had to find as the cars needed to drop my hubby off at work. Another time I would deal in my stride, at this moment in time feels like nothing is going right. At the most expensive time of year too!
Take me away I have had enough.
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Hi LTP
I just wanted to jump on to say you are not mad or daft. You are going through a really trying time. These are the worst perimeno symptoms imho cause they get right to the core of who we are and make us question ourselves all the damn time.
Be kind to yourself. If you are heightened, reassure yourself that you know the reason why (peri, not crazy) Take some time and breathe deeply. You will get through this. Lean on us here. Take care ❤
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Hi LTP
I just wanted to jump on to say you are not mad or daft. You are going through a really trying time. These are the worst perimeno symptoms imho cause they get right to the core of who we are and make us question ourselves all the damn time.
Be kind to yourself. If you are heightened, reassure yourself that you know the reason why (peri, not crazy) Take some time and breathe deeply. You will get through this. Lean on us here. Take care ❤
Thank you. I will. Good way of thinking. Its temporary and my hormones are haywire.
On a positive note I went to see a Madness last night.
Let myself go and danced and sang my heart out.
It just helps me if I let it out. So sorry ladies if I have been posting loads but its a release for me.
You take care too v kind words xxx
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I have just broken down in tears. Am so worn out with struggling with my mental health. I had a talking therapies assessment this morning and will be put forward for CBT trauma related. Approx 1 year wait.
Everyday, all day I feel so churned up and anxious even v small tasks feel mammoth.
I struggled getting out yesterday and then managed to force myself to the gym. Even when there I felt anxious.
Things just dont seem to be improving.
Ive been off work now for just over 6 weeks. I try to remain positive. I feel like this is me now.
I have no zest for life or excitement about anything.
I am worrying about my teenage son too he is v quiet and moody. Has told me he feels alone and like he has no one.
So now I feel like a lousy mam too. I know peri/menopause whichever I am in is causing my anxiety and life's stressors are making it worse.
But I am on high alert everyday my body can't sustain feeling this forever I am just scared at what will happen if things don't improve.
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Well today has been a difficult day!
Hubby has said between myself and our son his head is battered.
He says he worries about me constantly that I will do something to myself and that is no way for him to live. He experienced this with his mam and they have a v strained relationship. He also says I am argumentative but I dont always agree with his opinion or view.
I found this v hurtful but understand where he is coming from.
I haven't told him that I have had suicidal thoughts.
I have told him I am.not.choosing to be like this :'(. That I can't control it.
Who would want to be like this??? Now, I feel even more alone and that I am a hinderence.
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
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I just want to say that not one person made the effort to reply to my post yesterday. I was v v upset and came on here for support.
:'( :'( :'(
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Often it is not about effort but I think not everyone knows quite what to reply at times to various posts.I know that I often find I can’t contribute.
I can’t help you re the full HRT as I’m only on localised.
If you are feeling really bad you could try going to a&e there are hospital mental health liaison teams there who may be able to help you. Nurses can’t prescribe but can ask doctors to get eg diazepam. it is also one way to possibly get to see a psychiatrist who are thin on the ground, stretched with waiting lists otherwise.
It is really not on that you have to wait a year for CBT but that is how it is in many regions. Is there anyway way you can go private ?
Take care
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Hi Minusminnie
Its just support I ask for not necessarily advice. I do appreciate what you are saying.
I have never tried diazepam before. I know Ad's take time and the CBT will be to help.with past trauma.
I do feel this is hormone related with some life's stressors.
I recognise the symptoms from 3 years ago. It just seems to be taking a v long time for things to settle.
I maybe just need to take propananol regularly 3 times a day which I haven't been doing.
Thanks again.
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I haven’t read all your posts to be up to date.
If you can’t solve this with the ‘tools’ you have at the moment and are feeling suicidal reach out for help in ‘real life’. Support on this forum can only go so far.
CBT should be there for you now not in a years time.
Take Care.
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I just want to say that not one person made the effort to reply to my post yesterday. I was v v upset and came on here for support.
:'( :'( :'(
I’m sorry to read that you are still struggling; menopause is an absolute headache for so many of us and leaves us really questioning our ability to think and act rationally.
I don’t think it’s fair to say that no one made the effort to reply to your post. What we must all remember, is many of us are going through our own s**t. Couple that with the time of year and people can be a bit quiet.
I do agree with Minusminnie, if you are struggling, do seek help IRL.
All the best 😊
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Thank you. I understand people are going thru their own issues.
Just if I dont know how to help someone I tend to just reach out with a hug or let them know I am thinking of them.
Just little things like that can help someone without giving advice.
I have some lovely ladies that have reached out and private messaged me and I have for them when they have needed it.
I do appreciate your reply and didn't mean offence by what I said. When you feel mentally low everything is amplified.
All the best to you too Nas and I know you haven't had it easy xxx
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I write from experience where a hug has not been enough.
You’ve not offended me and I hope I not you likewise.
Take care.
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Hugs for you LTP. Menopause can be such a beast to navigate. I really hope things pick up for you soon. It’s also good to hear that some of the ladies on here are being supportive too.
How’s your son doing? I also have a 17 year old son ( 18 next spring) and WAY taller than me! 🎄😊
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I write from experience where a hug has not been enough.
You’ve not offended me and I hope I not you likewise.
Take care.
Ahh thank you. No offence taken whatsoever. Its just difficult when our brains and internal voice is being so negative xxx
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Hugs for you LTP. Menopause can be such a beast to navigate. I really hope things pick up for you soon. It’s also good to hear that some of the ladies on here are being supportive too.
How’s your son doing? I also have a 17 year old son ( 18 next spring) and WAY taller than me! 🎄😊
Thank you Nas.
My son is a typical teenager moody mostly 🙄 however communication has improved when he is out with his friends which was causing an issue. My son is 15 and also taller than me 🤣🤣.
He has lots of friends and is a popular boy but like all teenagers thinks the world is a safe place when it isnt. Anyway things are alot better with him thanks 😊